Also known as the "Peruvian Giant Yellow Leg Centipede" or the "Peruvian Giant Orange Leg Centipede," the Peruvian Giant Centipede is known as the world's largest centipede. They are fast and aggressive, though for Centipedes, they are actually one of the calmer species. They can be found mostly in tropical and sub-tropical areas of northern South America, Brazil, and Peru.
Peruvian Giant Centipedes are fast and considered aggressive, some are also know as being particularly good escape artists. Extremely attractive, they are appealing to many hobbyists. Potential owners should note that all centipedes have a certain amount of venom, and the venom of this species is particularly strong. Some of the research suggests that it is strong enough to kill a human being. The female's venom is apparently strong than that of the males. Both should be treated with care. This centipede is recommended for experienced hobbyists only. The Peruvian Giant Centipede is a terrestrial species; to prevent escapes they should be places double the height of the centipede. Since they are a ground living species plenty of floor spaces is a must, two the length of the centipede is the recommended minimum width. Housing options differ as they mature. They can be stored in a 24-ounce plastic jar with 1" deep potting soil as substrate as babies and in a 10 to 15-gallon tank as adults. As substrate, two to three inches of peat moss should do. Cork slabs serve nicely as cage decorations, providing them with areas to hide and crawl upon. Keep the temperature at 75 to 85 degrees and the humidity in between 70-80%. Adult Peruvian Giant Centipedes are known to eat a variety of things including, crickets, roaches and mice. Basically if it is not larger than they are, they will try to eat it. Babies do well with pinhead crickets and other small insects.
The Peruvian Giant Centipede is indeed a giant, at maturity, they will reach a length of seven and a half to ten inches, some even measuring as long as a foot. Peruvian Giant Centipede bodies consist of 21-23 segments and their legs are made for fast walking and running. They can also grasp their prey with these legs.
The Peruvian Giant Centipede originates in Northern South American. They seem to be most common in the sub-tropical zones of Brazil and Peru.
The venom of the Peruvian Giant Centipedes is particularly strong. Some of the research suggests that it is strong enough to kill a human being. The female's venom is apparently strong than that of the males. Both should be treated with care. This centipede is recommended for experienced hobbyists only.
